//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1120)[Translation]However, official-language minority communities have not been officially placed higher in the hierarchy as provided by the Act.Government assetsLinguistic minoritiesOfficial Languages ActTransfer of property5920163StevenMacKinnonGatineauStevenMacKinnonGatineau//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke (Beauport—Limoilou, CPC): (1110)[Translation]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Good morning, Ms. Adam.I am very pleased that you are here with us today. The last time we saw you was in December, in the middle of a storm, a political storm, not a winter one. We are finally coming out of the winter.I see that you are still full of will and full of hope. It's more than hope, I feel: you have pointed out a huge number of very interesting solutions. And yes, the fact that you are here today, still Chair of your board of governors, has been made possible by the two million dollars that the federal government has contributed, and that's great. You said that you are having ongoing conversations with all levels of government, which includes the government of the province of Ontario, of course. I gather that the Université de l'Ontario français Act, 2017 has not been repealed, I gather.I would like to know two things.First, how do provincial authorities see the existence of the UOF?Second, between December and today, what was your last correspondence with the Government of Ontario? Perhaps there was more. What is it about? Basically, what does it say? FrancophonieGovernment of OntarioLinguistic minoritiesUniversité de l'Ontario français589670658967075896708589670958967105896711589671258967135896714DenisParadisHon.Brome—MissisquoiDyaneAdam//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1225)[Translation]I would like to ask you a quick question first. In your presentation, you mentioned the 20% increase in core funding for community organizations. We are fully aware that this is very important for linguistic communities. Would you be able to provide the committee with budget figures confirming that, in the past year, each community has in fact received more funding?Communities used to receive 7¢ of each dollar. I think that's the number. According to the enhancement, that amount of 7¢ should have been increased. Is it possible for you to provide this information to the committee, in order to confirm that the communities are benefiting from the increase?Interim estimates 2019-2020Linguistic minorities5869969MélanieJolyHon.Ahuntsic-CartiervilleMélanieJolyHon.Ahuntsic-Cartierville//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1225)[Translation]Thank you very much.You also mentioned funding for community media, which brings me to one thing I have noticed recently.According to the preliminary budget you sent us, $302 million will be allocated to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, which is very good. However, I read in L'Acadie nouvelle that there had been a 10% reduction in jobs at the Radio-Canada station in Moncton. I was a little troubled.I would like to understand how it is possible to increase funding for the CBC, which I think is commendable, while also cutting funding for its station in Moncton, where there is a francophone minority language community?Canadian Broadcasting CorporationInterim estimates 2019-2020Linguistic minorities5869979MélanieJolyHon.Ahuntsic-CartiervilleMélanieJolyHon.Ahuntsic-Cartierville//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1230)[Translation]In cabinet, isn't it your responsibility to ask your colleague why, in this case, action is being taken to the detriment of the vitality of linguistic communities?Interim estimates 2019-2020Linguistic minorities5869988MélanieJolyHon.Ahuntsic-CartiervilleMélanieJolyHon.Ahuntsic-Cartierville//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1230)[English]That's interesting. Finally, sir, each year annually for the francophone programs for the official language minority groups, the federal government either through the action plan or through Canadian Heritage sends money to each province on a gratis basis. Some information was quite concerning. We learned that in Ontario it's around $2 to $3 per head, compared with other provinces where it's between $8 and $12. I've heard also that it depends on what the province puts forward, and then federal government tries to add the same amount. I would like to hear from both of you on that. Do you think it would be necessary to increase this flow of money from the federal government on the per capita basis?Education and trainingFrancophonieLinguistic minoritiesOntario5781032GeorgeZegaracMarie-LisonFougère//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1235)[Translation]Nevertheless, there is a link where vitality is concerned.Education and trainingFrancophonieLinguistic minoritiesOntario5781035Marie-LisonFougèreMarie-LisonFougère//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1235)[Translation]We understand each other.Education and trainingFrancophonieLinguistic minoritiesOntario5781037Marie-LisonFougèreAlupaClarkeBeauport—Limoilou//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1235)[Translation]—which is being negotiated at this time—Education and trainingFrancophonieLinguistic minoritiesOntario5781040AlupaClarkeBeauport—LimoilouMarie-LisonFougère//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1235)[Translation]I understand the specifics.Education and trainingFrancophonieLinguistic minoritiesOntario5781042Marie-LisonFougèreMarie-LisonFougère//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1235)[Translation]I don't understand. I thought that under the agreement, if the province invested $1 million, the federal government had to invest the same amount. But that is not what happened.Education and trainingFrancophonieLinguistic minoritiesOntario5781044Marie-LisonFougèreMarie-LisonFougère//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1235)[Translation]You are telling us that your ministry went beyond that.Education and trainingFrancophonieLinguistic minoritiesOntario5781046Marie-LisonFougèreMarie-LisonFougère//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke (Beauport—Limoilou, CPC): (0905)[Translation]Thank you, Mr. Chair.I am very honoured to be with you this morning for the last committee meeting in Parliament Hill's Centre Block.Ms. Adam, your comments are very enlightening. I thank you for agreeing to come meet with us this morning on such short notice. You talked about very important concepts and terms: “obligation to act”, “strong leadership”. You also repeated that all necessary measures should be taken.I feel that this is a golden opportunity for a federal government, regardless of the party in power, to materialize, define and turn into reality the meaning of “positive measure”.I cannot believe that I have before me someone who participated in the implementation of part VII of the Official Languages Act.FrancophonieLinguistic minorities57518615751862575186357518645751865DenisParadisHon.Brome—MissisquoiBernardGénéreuxMontmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0905)[Translation]Yes, I was born, as it was in 2005. I was travelling around Europe at the time.FrancophonieLinguistic minorities5751867BernardGénéreuxMontmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-LoupStevenBlaneyHon.Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0905)[Translation]I did not have long hair. I cut it when I was 17 years old.Some hon. members: Ha, ha!FrancophonieLinguistic minorities57518695751870StevenBlaneyHon.Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—LévisAlupaClarkeBeauport—Limoilou//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0905)[Translation]Ms. Adam, could you tell us what stage you are at, practically speaking? We are hearing about a date, such as January 15, and about the $1.5 million you have left.So what stage are you at from a practical perspective?FrancophonieGovernment assistanceLinguistic minorities57518715751872AlupaClarkeBeauport—LimoilouDyaneAdam//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0905)[Translation]When you talk about urgent measures, you are of course thinking of money.FrancophonieLinguistic minorities5751876DyaneAdamDyaneAdam//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0905)[Translation]By when do you need the money?FrancophonieLinguistic minorities5751879DyaneAdamDyaneAdam//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0905)[Translation]I did not understand what January 15 is related to? What exactly does that date mean?FrancophonieLinguistic minorities5751882DyaneAdamDyaneAdam//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke (Beauport—Limoilou, CPC): (0930)[Translation]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Mr. Caza, I want to continue exploring the issue of moral responsibility at the political level. I completely agree with what you said on that. Getting back to the metaphor you used, I think the Standing Committee on Official Languages can serve as a bit of a lighthouse, or at least I hope it can, for official language minority communities all across the country. The ultimate goal of the study we have urgently undertaken is to toss them a lifeline. That's why I'd really like you to talk about the intentions and directives you would like to be included in the report, and please be as specific as you possibly can. We will be sending it to the federal government, and that is where our power lies.What would you like to see in the report, Mr. Caza?FrancophonieLinguistic minorities574612857461295746130DenisParadisHon.Brome—MissisquoiRonald F.Caza//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0935)[Translation]That's interesting.FrancophonieLinguistic minorities5746134Ronald F.CazaRonald F.Caza//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke (Beauport—Limoilou, CPC): (0900)[Translation]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Ms. Effendi, welcome to the federal government's Standing Committee on Official Languages. I'm pleased to see you here. Thank you for all the work you and your organization are doing.First, I would like to ask you a brief question. You said the Ontario government paid the AJEFO for the legal information centre to provide resources such as justice camps to young people.How much funding was allocated to those activities last year, for example?I'd just like to get an idea of what that might mean.CostsFrancophonesFrancophonieHealth and social servicesLegal servicesLinguistic minoritiesOntario57435655743566574356757435685743569DenisParadisHon.Brome—MissisquoiNadiaEffendi//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0900)[Translation]That's interesting. Thank you.We all agree the decisions Mr. Ford made in Ontario are an affront to French Canadians. You say that you're concerned and that this constitutes a serious attack on the status of francophones in Ontario.I'd like you to explain to us, in your own words, how this is a serious attack, even though we know in a general way.FrancophonesFrancophonieHealth and social servicesLinguistic minoritiesOntario574357357435745743575NadiaEffendiNadiaEffendi//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0905)[Translation]Good. Thank you.The federal government's court challenges program was suspended for the last 20 months as a result of an administrative restructuring, but it was announced a few weeks ago that it would be reopening. Since I imagine you're very much in the know, do you know whether the program is accessible now and whether applications can be made to it?FrancophonesFrancophonieHealth and social servicesLinguistic minoritiesOntario57435805743581NadiaEffendiNadiaEffendi//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0905)[Translation]All right.I'd also like you to tell us a little about the current state of Canadian jurisprudence on language rights, in all courts.I'm thinking, for example, of the decision rendered in May by Judge Denis Gascon, who dismissed an application by the Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique and bluntly held that part VII of the Official Languages Act was meaningless.Do you think that case poses a threat to Canadian language rights jurisprudence?FrancophonesFrancophonieHealth and social servicesJurisprudenceLanguage rightsLinguistic minoritiesOntario5743585574358657435875743588NadiaEffendiNadiaEffendi//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0905)[Translation]It could spread, like gangrene, couldn't it?FrancophonesFrancophonieHealth and social servicesLinguistic minoritiesOntario5743592NadiaEffendiNadiaEffendi//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1015)[Translation]Commissioners, there are two aspects to our great crusade to modernize the Official Languages Act. I think "crusade" is the right word.First, there's the act as such, and we'll want to change a lot of words and sentences to strengthen it, regardless of the government that's in power in 2019. Second, there are more general issues, such as whether a tribunal should be established, how governance should be centralized and so on.We've addressed these more general issues during the question period, but I'd like to hear you talk more about the act as such, about the minor details that change matters every day for the minority linguistic communities. For example, representatives from Power Law came and presented a lot of very specific recommendations, such as replacing the word "may" with the word "shall" in part VII of the act. Do you have similarly specific recommendations for amendments to the present act?Linguistic minoritiesModernizationOfficial Languages Act5724742DenisParadisHon.Brome—MissisquoiFrançoisBoileau//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke (Beauport—Limoilou, CPC): (0915)[Translation]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Good morning, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Dupuis. I want to thank you for the unrelenting work you do for Canada's official languages, and particularly for the francophonie.You are more in favour of the creation of an administrative tribunal, rather than granting coercive powers to the commissioner, such as the power to impose binding measures, correct?Administrative tribunalsFrancophonesLinguistic minoritiesOffice of the Commissioner of Official LanguagesOfficial Languages Act569907356990745699075DenisParadisHon.Brome—MissisquoiJeanJohnson//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0915)[Translation]Why?FrancophonesLinguistic minoritiesOffice of the Commissioner of Official LanguagesOfficial Languages Act5699077JeanJohnsonJeanJohnson//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0915)[Translation]In the version of the law you are proposing, which would include an administrative tribunal, would there be some change made to the commissioner's mandate? In addition to the administrative tribunal, would you want us to add any elements to the commissioner's mandate?Administrative tribunalsFrancophonesLinguistic minoritiesOffice of the Commissioner of Official LanguagesOfficial Languages Act5699080JeanJohnsonJeanJohnson//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0915)[Translation]There are administrative tribunals in other areas of society. Where would this tribunal be located physically? Who would choose its members?Administrative tribunalsFrancophonesLinguistic minoritiesOfficial Languages Act5699083AlainDupuisJeanJohnson//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0915)[Translation]You are proposing a complete law, so you must surely have a concrete proposal in that regard.FrancophonesLinguistic minoritiesOfficial Languages Act5699085JeanJohnsonJeanJohnson//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0915)[Translation]Would communities or umbrella organizations like yours take part in the selection of members? I know that you want an advisory council to be created for the action plan for official languages. Would you like that advisory council to take part in the selection of tribunal members? I'm suggesting that without even knowing if it would be possible.Administrative tribunalsFrancophonesLinguistic minoritiesOfficial Languages Act5699087JeanJohnsonJeanJohnson//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0920)[Translation]What kind of budget would this administrative tribunal have? My questions may be too detailed, and tell me if that is the case. It would be good if it had more power because this would allow it to rap the knuckles of those who don't respect official languages in daily life. It's something I would like to see the federal government put forward. That is why I am asking these punctilious questions. Have you thought of a budget? Administrative tribunalsFrancophonesLinguistic minoritiesOfficial Languages Act5699089JeanJohnsonJeanJohnson//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0920)[Translation]That's true. You are right.A year ago, some witnesses told us that there were offices of commissioners in Canada, or elsewhere in the world, that did have coercive powers because they were divided up into two parts. Are you aware of that? There is a type of waterproof aspect between the coercive element, which deals with launching legal action, and the watchdog aspect. It would be good if we could do the same thing for the Official Languages Commissioner.After all, an administrative tribunal would be a big bureaucratic machine, and that aspect could put some people off. Would it be possible for the office of the commissioner to deal with legal proceedings and also play his role as a watchdog, if the two components were watertight, so to speak?Administrative tribunalsFrancophonesLinguistic minoritiesOfficial Languages Act569909356990945699095AlainDupuisJeanJohnson//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0920)[Translation]It's similar to the Veterans Affairs Department, in fact. FrancophonesLinguistic minoritiesOfficial Languages Act5699099JeanJohnsonJeanJohnson//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0920)[Translation]Yes it is.FrancophonesLinguistic minoritiesOfficial Languages Act5699101JeanJohnsonDenisParadisHon.Brome—Missisquoi//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0905)[Translation]Very well.A lady in Calgary, Alberta, wrote to me, not too long ago. She feels that the Service Canada Royal Vista office should be providing bilingual services. This lady has been going there often, for several years. There is a sign displayed there that says that citizens can obtain services in both official languages. However, this citizen says that systematically, she can only access service in English. Personally, I find that situation deplorable, and I intend to send you a letter about it soon. Can you act? Can you speak to Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, since this falls under his responsibility, I believe, and ask him to remedy the situation?Action Plan for Official Languages, 2018-2023: Investing in Our FutureLinguistic minoritiesOfficial languages policy56507885650789MélanieJolyHon.Ahuntsic-CartiervilleMélanieJolyHon.Ahuntsic-Cartierville//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (0935)[Translation]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Good morning to all of you, ladies and gentlemen. I am very pleased to be with you in Saskatchewan today.This is the third place we have visited in three days. We've met with nearly all francophone groups from all provinces in the past year and a half.Listening to you this morning, I sensed bitterness and considerable frustration. I sense it's not easy for you in Saskatchewan, but please know that we hear you and sympathize with you. We know your situation is not an easy one.I will begin by telling you that French is an everyday struggle in Canada. Some people, like you, are in the trenches every day of their lives. I want to thank you, and I know this Isn't easy. As a Conservative from Old Quebec, I'm in a political trench, but you are in a linguistic trench.Getting back to serious matters, although I understand your frustration and bitterness over your respective files, such as health, school boards, economic development, parents and the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise, I would like to hear what you have to say about topics other than your respective grievances. Our main task from now until the next election—at least it's my objective—is to lay the foundation for a revision of the Official Languages Act.Mr. Barry, I believe you touched on that subject a little earlier when I went out for coffee. I heard you talk about modernizing the act. I was just leaving, and I felt I had to come back as soon as possible. However, I believe the concern you addressed was just about the school boards.I would like each of you to give me one or two general priorities that you would like to see addressed in the Official Languages Act, such as enforcement powers for the Commissioner. That's a priority; it's a general one, and it's mine.Let's start with you, Mr. Simard. What are your priorities for the revision of the act?Action Plan for Official Languages, 2018-2023: Investing in Our FutureLinguistic minoritiesOfficial Languages ActOfficial languages policy556130255613035561304556130555613065561307556130855613095561310DenisParadisHon.Brome—MissisquoiDenisSimard//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke (Beauport—Limoilou, CPC): (1605)[Translation]Thank you, Mr. Chair, for letting us know. I very much appreciate it.That said, I should've liked this committee to have the benefit of a briefing prior to the announcement and ahead of other members of Parliament. I am putting this on the record so that there is no secret as to my thoughts on the matter. I could've sworn that the minister told us that we would be the first to know the details of the official languages action plan, that is, before the general public. This would have given us the opportunity to provide input, which she may have wished to incorporate at a later stage.I say this without malice. I am very disappointed in the way the minister has conducted herself in this instance.Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press533847053384715338472DenisParadisHon.Brome—MissisquoiDenisParadisHon.Brome—Missisquoi//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1605)[English]Thank you, sir. Good afternoon to both of you. Thank you very much for being here with us today. Mr. Guzmas, you said you wanted us to speak about the future of papers for small linguistic communities across the country. I just want to ask you two quick questions. First, last week we had representatives from the Association de la presse francophone, l'Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada, and the Quebec Community Newspapers Association. They told us that the $50 million in the budget will not be coming out quickly enough. Although they said it's good, it's not coming out quickly enough to save your papers. Will your paper prospectively close down in two weeks, or very soon?Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the pressQuebec Community Newspapers Association533848753384885338489DenisParadisHon.Brome—MissisquoiGeorgeGuzmas//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1605)[English]I won't comment on that, but I understand what you mean. If I understand the case correctly from last week, if there's no emergency action whatsoever, monetary action, you might go bankrupt or die—not you, but your papers—very soon.Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press53384945338495GeorgeGuzmasSharonMcCully//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1605)[English]Yes.Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5338498SharonMcCullySharonMcCully//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1605)[English]Do you agree with the Quebec Community Newspapers Association that you would need a certain emergency fund?Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the pressQuebec Community Newspapers Association5338500SharonMcCullySharonMcCully//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1610)[English]Okay.Sir, you talked about the fact that we on this committee have the power to influence—Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press53385025338503SharonMcCullyGeorgeGuzmas//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1610)[English]That is why I'm going to put forward this motion again today, Madam Clerk.[Translation]It reads as follows:That the Committee recommend that Canadian Heritage establish a $2 million emergency fund for official-language minority media to be administered by an ad hoc committee composed of the Association de la presse francophone, the Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada and the Quebec Community Newspaper Association.[English]Our dear colleagues on the Liberal bench said they needed time to prepare for the debate. I think we've had four or five days, so we're coming back with that today. I hope we can go all the way to the final vote this time.Thank you, sir.Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the pressQuebec Community Newspapers Association53385055338506533850753385085338509GeorgeGuzmasDenisParadisHon.Brome—Missisquoi//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1615)[Translation]It will be Wednesday.Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5338549BernardGénéreuxMontmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-LoupBernardGénéreuxMontmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1625)[English] How important are you to the survival of your communities, respectively? How important is your newspaper for the survival of your linguistic minority community?Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5338587DenisParadisHon.Brome—MissisquoiSharonMcCully//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1625)[English]Sir, is it the same for you?Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5338589SharonMcCullyGeorgeGuzmas//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1625)[English]Okay. Did you come to Ottawa today principally to speak about all the burdens that your papers go through—because your association did that—or did you come here to see action from this committee?Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5338591GeorgeGuzmasSharonMcCully//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1625)[English]I see.Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5338593SharonMcCullySharonMcCully//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1625)[English]So it's always the same.Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5338595SharonMcCullySharonMcCully//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1650)[Translation]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.Mr. Sonier, you referred to emergency measures. So here we are; we are facing an emergency. If nothing is done, and the worst case scenario avails, when will French-language newspapers in minority communities close their doors, since their death is imminent?FrenchGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the pressNewspapers533004753300485330049DenisParadisHon.Brome—MissisquoiFrancisSonier//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1650)[Translation]That's in two weeks. Good grief!Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5330051FrancisSonierFrancisSonier//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1650)[Translation]The last way of coming up with $1.8 million might be to request an emergency fund, or to submit a request under the Action Plan for Official Languages, which is coming out next week.Emergency fundingGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5330053FrancisSonierFrancisSonier//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1650)[Translation]That answers my second question: for the time being, what is contained in the budget will not improve the situation.Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5330055FrancisSonierFrancisSonier//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1650)[Translation]It's useful for the government.Government advertisingGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5330057FrancisSonierFrancisSonier//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1650)[Translation]You spoke about your harmonized action plan. Has that plan been committed to paper?Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5330059FrancisSonierFrancisSonier//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1650)[Translation]So the plan is under construction.Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5330061FrancisSonierFrancisSonier//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1650)[Translation]When you talk to the public servants or the elected representatives of these departments, are they able to understand and to acknowledge that the big pan-Canadian media groups and the minority official language community media are treated differently? In their analysis of the media crisis, do they distinguish between those two media groups?Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5330063FrancisSonierFrancisSonier//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1650)[Translation]Fine, I understand.Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5330065FrancisSonierLindaLauzon//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1655)[Translation]Yes, please.Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5330067LindaLauzonLindaLauzon//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1655)[Translation]Very well. Thank you very much.Mr. Côté, what you said is bold, and it piqued my interest. I don't know if a justice of the Supreme Court, let's say, would agree with you. In your opinion, the decline in government publicity is unconstitutional, in light of the act and the obligations of those three departments. You say that by cutting that advertising, it is as though the departments had removed one of the positive rights of the minority communities. However, I would point out that in the Constitution, housing, for instance, is not a right.Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press53300705330071LindaLauzonFrançoisCôté//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1655)[Translation]That's incredible; you are saying that advertising would be considered a positive right for official language minority communities.Government assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5330073FrançoisCôtéFrançoisCôté//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke (Beauport—Limoilou, CPC): (1700)[Translation]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Good afternoon, everyone.[English]Good afternoon, madame.[Translation]I just want to tell you that, in a non-partisan way, the committee understands the difficulties facing the media, especially in OLMCs, or[English]minority linguistic groups in Quebec. Just be aware of that.[Translation]We understand. As to whether we have the right solutions, I do not know. That's what I want to discuss with you.First, Ms. Kenny, you talked about La Liberté, this major newspaper. Is it a daily or weekly newspaper? Government programsLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the pressNewspapers5314282531428353142845314285531428653142875314288DenisParadisHon.Brome—MissisquoiMarie-FranceKenny//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1700)[Translation]Its representative, who appeared before us three weeks ago or a month ago, told us that the government was asking them to go digital.However, the newspaper is very present everywhere in the digital world. Nevertheless, this changes nothing in terms of advertising volume. It would be the same with your newspaper. Even if it was doing very well in the digital world, you would not have more ads, would you?Digital mediaGovernment programsLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the pressNewspapers53142905314291Marie-FranceKennyMarie-FranceKenny//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1700)[Translation]So the digital shift does nothing for your budget.Government programsLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5314293Marie-FranceKennyMarie-FranceKenny//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1700)[Translation]Let me go on to another comment you made. It did not surprise me, but I'd like to talk about it with you.About two years ago, in 2015-16, the federal government provided $140 million a year to all newspapers in Canada. Right now, the amount is about $40 million annually. You said that only $1.5 million would be needed for the advertising in all the newspapers in OLMCs.Government assistanceGovernment programsLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the pressNewspapers53142975314298Marie-FranceKennyMarie-FranceKenny//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1700)[Translation]Okay, I understand.Government programsLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5314300Marie-FranceKennyMarie-FranceKenny//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1700)[Translation]Yes, absolutely.Government advertisingGovernment programsLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5314302Marie-FranceKennyMarie-FranceKenny//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1700)[Translation]This does not mean that—Government advertisingGovernment programsLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5314304Marie-FranceKennyMarie-FranceKenny//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1700)[Translation]In the best of all worlds, we would have to go back to that $140 million a year in advertising in all the media.Government advertisingGovernment programsLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5314306Marie-FranceKennyMarie-FranceKenny//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1705)[Translation]Thank you, Ms. Kenny.Mr. Théberge, I have a question for you, but it can be for anyone.You talked about a “consistent investment strategy”.I'm looking at the the 2018-19 budget. How time flies! The election is in one year. The government's strategy is to invest in Canadian content first. The Canada media fund no longer receives as much funding as it used to. Canadians, through their individual choices, use x, y or z platforms, which does not necessarily bring money to those who make access to the services possible.Government assistanceGovernment programsLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5314308531430953143105314311Marie-FranceKennyMartinThéberge//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1705)[Translation]Yes, that's right.Government programsLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5314314MartinThébergeMartinThéberge//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1705)[Translation]Are you saying that you are not at all supported by the media fund?Government programsLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5314316MartinThébergeMartinThéberge//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1705)[Translation]To support local journalism, the government is proposing $50 million over five years, starting now, for independent agencies. What do you think? Is that a minimum? Do you welcome it? Is it enough?How do you see it? What does this amount mean to you?Government assistanceGovernment programsLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press53143185314319MartinThébergeMartinThéberge//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1705)[Translation]So you would favour an approach that allows for direct cash flow, such as advertising, instead of a dedicated funds approach.Government advertisingGovernment programsLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5314324MartinThébergeMartinThéberge//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke (Beauport—Limoilou, CPC): (1605)[English]But better.Adult literacyLinguistic minoritiesNumeracyQuébec5277710RenéArseneaultMadawaska—RestigoucheRenéArseneaultMadawaska—Restigouche//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1615)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair, and bonjour, Mesdames. Thank you for being here with us this afternoon.I want to emphasize on this side that if you have any recommendations you want included in our report, you can always send them in written form to the committee.I met with Jean-Marc Fournier a month and a half ago, and I was asking him if Quebec directly helps francophone groups outside Quebec and across Canada. I was wondering if there are any provinces outside Quebec that send money to the English groups in Quebec to help you.Adult literacyGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesNumeracy527778152777825277783DenisParadisHon.Brome—MissisquoiLindaShohet//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1615)[English] Yes. Do you have this sort of relationship?Adult literacyGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesNumeracy5277785LindaShohetLindaShohet//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1615)[English]Not the province itself, or the government, but it could be another group.... There's no transfer of help in terms of people, money, or resources.Adult literacyGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesNumeracy5277789LindaShohetLindaShohet//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1615)[English]Okay. Participation...?Adult literacyGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesNumeracy5277791LindaShohetLindaShohet//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1615)[English]I think it could be a positive avenue. It should be that way. It would be fair, you know, because there are nine, with one bilingual province, of course, which is Quebec.... You have eight anglophone provinces, which should take care of the anglophones in Quebec, I think.Adult literacyGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesNumeracy5277797LindaShohetLindaShohet//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1615)[English] I'll talk to them about it.Voices: Oh, oh!Mr. Alupa Clarke: I have another question, which is similar to the one that Mr. Arseneault asked. There are some alarmists, sovereignists, who will say that in Montreal the French are disappearing and English are taking more and more land, but I want to touch on numeracy on the Island of Montreal. You said that in the whole province of Quebec numeracy for minority English groups is deteriorating. Is that the case for English speakers in Montreal? Is there a difference between English speakers on the Island of Montreal and the rest of the province of Quebec in terms of numeracy performance?Adult literacyGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesNumeracy527779952778005277801LindaShohetLindaShohet//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1620)[English]Okay. I used the words that the committee put forward.Adult literacyGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesNumeracy5277811LindaShohetLindaShohet//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1620)[English]You can see that there are a lot of immigrants coming to Montreal, thank God, and a lot of them will speak English, naturally. Learning French is a big step for them. I'm just wondering how they are doing in terms of numeracy and literacy. Also, how does it help the minority English groups on the Island of Montreal? If you have any information about that, it would be great for us to know.Adult literacyGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesNumeracy5277813LindaShohetLindaShohet//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1620)[English]Okay. Still speaking specifically on the numeracy phenomenon, you said that English groups are disappearing in Quebec. Is this also the case for numeracy English groups in other provinces? Are there numeracy English groups in other provinces?Adult literacyGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesNumeracy5277815LindaShohetLindaShohet//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1620)[Translation]In the other provinces, are there groups whose purpose is to improve the literacy and numeracy of anglophones?[English]Well, I guess not....Adult literacyGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesNumeracy52778175277818LindaShohetLindaShohet//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1620)[English]Yes. Do they have numeracy groups or associations, organizations, or governmental programs?Adult literacyGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesNumeracy5277820LindaShohetLindaShohet//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1620)[English]Okay. Those groups are government organizations—Adult literacyGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesNumeracy5277824LindaShohetLindaShohet//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1620)[English]—in other provinces. Are they well funded? Are they working efficiently?Adult literacyGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesNumeracy5277826LindaShohetLindaShohet//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1620)[English]Are some of them closing their doors or not?Adult literacyGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesNumeracy5277828LindaShohetLindaShohet//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1620)[English] Do you mean the provincial government won't even fund it in their own language?Adult literacyGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesNumeracy5277831LindaShohetLindaShohet//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1620)[English]Why so?Adult literacyGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesNumeracy5277836LindaShohetLindaShohet//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke (Beauport—Limoilou, CPC): (1550)[Translation]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Welcome, everyone. We are pleased to have you here today.First, I will go to Mrs. Eddie.What exactly is the subject of your thesis?Communities and collectivitiesLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the pressResearch and researchers5273407527340852734095273410DenisParadisHon.Brome—MissisquoiMarie HélèneEddie//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1555)[Translation]The digital shift and the media crisis are occurring across most of the western countries that have minority languages, such as Switzerland and Belgium, for example. That may be happening in eastern countries as well, but I'm not sure of it.Can you tell us whether those two countries, Belgium and Switzerland, have specific programs in this area? What are they doing about the media crisis?If that is the case, can you tell us what those two countries are doing about their francophone minority media? Do they have periodical assistance programs or funds?Communities and collectivitiesLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press527341352734145273415Marie HélèneEddieMarie HélèneEddie//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1555)[Translation]My next question will be for all three witnesses.An additional $600 million was allocated to Radio-Canada. Does that contribute directly or indirectly to the development of the francophone media outside Quebec?Is this massive $600 million reinvestment in Radio-Canada helping with the crisis the media are experiencing, the francophone newspapers and radio stations outside Quebec, not Radio-Canada stations, but the others?Canadian Broadcasting CorporationCommunities and collectivitiesFrancophonesGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press527341952734205273421Marie HélèneEddieCarolJolin//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1555)[Translation]You mentioned a $1.85 million media assistance fund. Do you expect that fund to be included in the action plan, or is it completely separate?Communities and collectivitiesGovernment assistanceLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5273423CarolJolinCarolJolin//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1555)[Translation]Oh, I see.You had a lot to say about federal government advertising placed with francophone newspapers in Ontario, for example. Has the provincial government placed advertising in the newspapers?Communities and collectivitiesFrancophonesGovernment advertisingLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the pressNewspapers52734255273426CarolJolinCarolJolin//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1625)[Translation]In exchange for poorer coverage.Communities and collectivitiesLinguistic minoritiesMedia and the press5273547SylvieBoucherBeauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d'Orléans—CharlevoixSylvieBoucherBeauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d'Orléans—Charlevoix//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1640)[Translation]Did he indicate which policies he would implement for francophones in Winnipeg?FrancophonesJustice systemLegislationLinguistic minoritiesOfficial Languages ActWinnipeg5150886PaulLefebvreSudburyPaulLefebvreSudbury//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1715)[Translation]You're right. Thank you.Several people from francophone minorities outside Quebec have reported a situation. I think it's a very serious problem. I would like to know if, as Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Québec, you've heard about it.It's been said that in several small Canadian municipalities outside Quebec, when a person waives their right to be served in their own language in a federal court, such as in Dalhousie, New Brunswick, for instance, it is considered to upset the community, sociologically speaking. Some statistics show that a person who asked to be served in the language of their choice is more likely to lose their case if they are French-speaking.Have you heard about this problem? If so, I think it would be good for you to talk about it.Francophones outside QuebecJustice systemLegislationLinguistic minoritiesOfficial Languages ActOfficial languages policy515934251593435159344Paul-MatthieuGrondinJacquesFournierHon.//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1610)[Translation]Okay.Since the coming into force of the Constitution Act of 1982, and the application of section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, has the proportion of rights-holders in Canada decreased, increased or remained stable? Regardless of whether or not the number of francophones is accurate, what do the figures show? What does the situation look like?8510-421-204 "The Enumeration of Rights-Holders Under Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Toward a Census that Supports the Charter"Language rightsLinguistic minoritiesStatisticsStatistics Canada5055364Jean-PierreCorbeilJean-PierreCorbeil//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1615)[Translation]Okay, I understand.Is there another way for Statistics Canada to help the federal government enumerate rights-holders, such as by using the social insurance number?I am not judging Statistics Canada, only asking the question. After all, there are all sorts of tools at our disposal.When my son and my daughter were born, in Quebec, I answered the questions. Of course, I don't know where they will live later. However, there are all kinds of ways to track an individual's movement, including passport applications. That's only one example.Doesn't Canada have other tools to determine who rights-holders are?8510-421-204 "The Enumeration of Rights-Holders Under Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Toward a Census that Supports the Charter"Language rightsLinguistic minoritiesStatistics Canada50553695055370505537150553725055373Jean-PierreCorbeilYvanDéry//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke (Beauport—Limoilou, CPC): (1245)[Translation]Thank you.Mr. Samson raised a critical issue, the issue of delinquent suppliers. I would like to talk about that.You were talking about solutions. In fact, the solution is strictly political. There are no others. However, it is extremely dangerous, in Canada, to talk about bilingualism. It can cost us an election.In November 2015, the Supreme Court issued a decision in the Caron-Boutet case. In my opinion, it was not by chance that the decision was issued after the election. During the election, it could have triggered a constitutional crisis, or at least a political crisis. This is certainly a case that you are very familiar with, madam. The Court decided to reject the challenge of these two francophones from Alberta and Saskatchewan that was based on historical reasoning and on agreements. In their opinion, Alberta and Saskatchewan should be bilingual provinces and all their laws should, by this very fact, be bilingual. They unfortunately lost their case, because the Supreme Court must first and foremost protect Canadian unity. It does not say this, but it remains that this is its absolute role.I remind you also that, on the site of the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, your predecessor, Mr. Graham Fraser, expressed his extreme disappointment in this Supreme Court decision.Mr. Caron's lawyer, one of the plaintiffs in the case, said this: “The Trudeau government should do the right thing and say that it will correct this mistake and pay the province of Saskatchewan and Alberta the money they need to translate all their laws and the court rules”.Bilingualism is a question of politics and money. This is the problem. It is extremely expensive. When the Supreme Court decided that Manitoba should be bilingual, according to the agreements, it cost billions of dollars.For the providers to stop being delinquent, we, the politicians, must set an example. In particular, we could invest the billions of dollars necessary for Alberta and Saskatchewan to become bilingual provinces. In this way, they could no longer oppose this idea for financial reasons.On the other hand, there would still be political problems. In fact, I am not sure that Ms. Notley would be re-elected if she took this initiative.That being said, madam, I would like to know whether, like Mr. Fraser, you were disappointed by this decision and whether you believe that the current liberal government—and I really am asking this without any partisanship—should correct this problem in a political manner and not stop at this decision?Canadian Air Transport Security AuthorityLinguistic minoritiesOffice of the Commissioner of Official LanguagesOfficial languages policyOperational reviews4876910487691148769124876913487691448769154876916487691748769184876919BernardGénéreuxMontmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-LoupGhislaineSaikaley//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1250)[Translation]You do not have power, strictly speaking. You can provide guidance, but that is all.Canadian Air Transport Security AuthorityLinguistic minoritiesOffice of the Commissioner of Official LanguagesOfficial languages policyOperational reviews4876922GhislaineSaikaleyGhislaineSaikaley//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1250)[Translation]Yes, indeed.Canadian Air Transport Security AuthorityLinguistic minoritiesOffice of the Commissioner of Official LanguagesOfficial languages policyOperational reviews4876925GhislaineSaikaleyGhislaineSaikaley//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1250)[Translation]That could be the solution.New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province, even though Quebec is also bilingual. In fact, according to the British North America Act, all of our laws must be bilingual. At the National Assembly of Quebec, one can freely speak English. A minister was even criticized for responding in French to a question posed in English last week at the National Assembly.I ask myself some serious questions about the Official Languages Act. In my opinion, because of the very important cultural rivalries and the political culture in Canada, this act is not being implemented adequately.This brings me to my second question.As interim commissioner, do you believe that regional bilingualism, as in Switzerland, could be a solution? Each region would have a referendum to choose a language, and this choice would then be applied. Do you find this revolutionary, too dangerous? What is your perspective on this subject?Canadian Air Transport Security AuthorityLinguistic minoritiesOffice of the Commissioner of Official LanguagesOfficial languages policyOperational reviews48769284876929487693048769314876932GhislaineSaikaleyGhislaineSaikaley//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke (Beauport—Limoilou, CPC): (1025)[Translation]Good morning, members of the committee and witnesses.I'm very pleased to be here because the two solitudes live in me. I'm half anglophone and half francophone. My father is the biggest francophile in New Brunswick, and his MP could confirm it.I would like to address the Quebec Community Groups Network.On page 5 of your document, you are comparing the English-speaking minority communities in the regions in Quebec and those in Ontario, but there is a danger when you are comparing with francophones in Ontario. The anglophones in Quebec have institutional sovereignty in terms of education, from daycare to university, health care—from dressings to surgery—and government services. You have provisions that even let you speak English in the National Assembly. Conversely, in Ontario, francophones don't always have hospitals or francophone universities.Do you have anything to say about that? In my view, it is a sort of flawed comparison, because the context is not the same at all.Anglophones inside QuebecFranco-OntariansFrancophones outside QuebecImmigration and immigrantsLinguistic minoritiesOfficial languages policy46222804622281462228246222834622284DenisParadisHon.Brome—MissisquoiSylviaMartin-Laforge//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/88404AlupaClarkeAlupa-ClarkeBeauport—LimoilouConservative CaucusQuebec//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/42/ClarkeAlupa_CPC.jpgInterventionMr. Alupa Clarke: (1030)[Translation]That's interesting. I would say that, in Ontario, from a political and discursive perspective, francophones are favoured within a sort of diversity that people like to promote. Although that's not the case in Quebec and you're not at the forefront of a diversity policy that is actively promoted, you still have a very strong institutional foundation, which is not necessarily the case of francophones in Ontario.Anglophones inside QuebecFranco-OntariansFrancophones outside QuebecImmigration and immigrantsLinguistic minoritiesOfficial languages policy4622291SylviaMartin-LaforgeSylviaMartin-LaforgeINTERVENTIONParliament and SessionDiscussed TopicProcedural TermCommitteePerson SpeakingParticipation TypeSearchResults per pageOrder byTarget search languageSide by SideMaximum returned rowsPagePUBLICATION TYPE